Matthijs de Ligt is one of the most exciting young defenders in football today. Born on August 12, 1999, in Leiderdorp, Netherlands, he has made a name for himself with his impressive leadership and defensive skills. From his breakout years at Ajax to his recent move to Manchester United in 2024, de Ligt’s career has been full of milestones. His rise to prominence in the world of football is marked by his exceptional performances both for club and country.
In 2024, Matthijs de Ligt joined Manchester United, adding a fresh boost to their defensive lineup. Having previously played for top clubs like Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, de Ligt’s journey reflects his growth as one of the best defenders of his generation. Known for his physicality, aerial abilities, and maturity on the field, de Ligt is not just a promising young talent; he is already an established name in the world of football.
Summary of Matthijs de Ligt
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthijs de Ligt |
| Born | August 12, 1999, Leiderdorp, Netherlands |
| Height | 187 cm (6 feet 2 inches) |
| Position | Central Defender |
| Current Club | Manchester United (since 2024) |
| Transfer Fee | Estimated €60 million (to Manchester United) |
| Previous Clubs | Ajax, Juventus, Bayern Munich |
| International Team | Netherlands |
| Girlfriend | AnneKee Molenaar |
| Number at Man Utd | Number 4 |
| FIFA 24 Rating | High-rated defender |
| 2023-24 Season Stats | 22 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist (Bayern Munich) |
| 2024-25 Season Stats | 9 appearances, 1 goal (Manchester United) |
Key Takeaways
- Matthijs de Ligt is a highly skilled Dutch footballer who plays as a central defender.
- He started his career at Ajax, rising to fame for his leadership and defensive talent.
- In 2024, he transferred to Manchester United from Bayern Munich, following a successful period in Germany.
- De Ligt is a key player for the Netherlands national team, although he didn’t feature in UEFA Euro 2024.
- He is known for his height (187 cm) and his strong presence in the air and on defense.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Matthijs de Ligt’s journey in football began at a young age in his hometown of Leiderdorp. He joined the youth team of Ajax, one of the most prestigious clubs in the Netherlands, where he quickly made a name for himself with his solid defending skills and remarkable maturity for his age. By the time he was just 17, de Ligt was already playing regularly for the senior team and was made captain of Ajax at only 19. His leadership on the field helped Ajax win the Eredivisie and make a deep run in the UEFA Champions League, where they knocked out some of Europe’s biggest teams.
His performances at Ajax didn’t go unnoticed, and soon top European clubs were scouting him. After a successful spell at Ajax, de Ligt made the move to Juventus in 2019, followed by a high-profile transfer to Bayern Munich in 2022. His consistent performances at Bayern Munich and his status as a top-level defender helped him earn a big move to Manchester United in the summer of 2024.
Matthijs de Ligt Transfer and Move to Manchester United
In July 2024, Matthijs de Ligt completed a high-profile transfer to Manchester United. The Red Devils, looking to strengthen their defense, saw de Ligt as the perfect fit to help bolster their backline. He moved from Bayern Munich, where he had spent two seasons, with a transfer fee estimated at around €60 million, which reflects his importance and reputation as one of the best central defenders in the game.
This transfer marked a significant moment in de Ligt’s career as he joined one of the biggest football clubs in the world. His experience in both Serie A and the Bundesliga will be invaluable as Manchester United aims to reclaim its spot among the top teams in the Premier League and Europe.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Stats and Performance in 2024
In the 2023-24 season, Matthijs de Ligt played 22 games for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, where he scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist. He was a rock at the back for Bayern, helping them win the league title and perform strongly in European competitions.
Now, playing for Manchester United in the 2024-25 season, de Ligt has already featured in 9 matches, scoring once. His consistency on the pitch and ability to read the game have made him an immediate starter for Manchester United, and he is expected to play a key role in the club’s defense for the years to come.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Height and Physical Attributes
Standing at 187 cm (6 feet 2 inches), Matthijs de Ligt is a physically imposing presence on the field. His height is an asset in aerial duels, making him one of the most dominant central defenders when it comes to winning headers. His strength and agility allow him to compete with some of the best strikers in the world, and his physicality is complemented by his sharp footballing intelligence, allowing him to intercept passes and clear dangerous balls from the box.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Relationship with AnneKee Molenaar
Off the field, Matthijs de Ligt has been in a relationship with AnneKee Molenaar, a Dutch model and influencer. The couple has been together for several years and frequently shares moments from their personal lives on social media. AnneKee has a significant following on Instagram, where she posts about fashion, fitness, and her relationship with de Ligt. While the couple is not married yet, they continue to support each other in both their professional and personal lives.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Number at Manchester United
At Manchester United, Matthijs de Ligt wears the number 4, a number he has worn throughout his career, both at Ajax and Bayern Munich. The number 4 is traditionally associated with strong central defenders, and de Ligt’s choice reflects his role as one of the team’s key defensive leaders. His number 4 jersey is expected to become one of the most iconic shirts in Manchester United’s history if he continues his strong performances at the club.
Matthijs de Ligt FIFA 24 Rating
In FIFA 24, Matthijs de Ligt is highly rated as a central defender due to his impressive attributes. His strong tackling, aerial ability, and leadership on the field make him one of the top-rated defenders in the game. FIFA 24 has acknowledged his growing reputation, making him one of the most sought-after defenders for players in the game’s career mode.
FAQ
What is Matthijs de Ligt’s current club?
Matthijs de Ligt currently plays for Manchester United, having transferred from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024.
How tall is Matthijs de Ligt?
Matthijs de Ligt stands at 187 cm, or approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Who is Matthijs de Ligt’s girlfriend?
Matthijs de Ligt is in a relationship with AnneKee Molenaar, a Dutch model and influencer.
What number does Matthijs de Ligt wear at Manchester United?
At Manchester United, Matthijs de Ligt wears the number 4 jersey.
What is Matthijs de Ligt’s transfer history?
Matthijs de Ligt started his career at Ajax, before moving to Juventus in 2019, then Bayern Munich in 2022, and finally Manchester United in 2024.
How many goals has Matthijs de Ligt scored in the 2023-24 season?
During the 2023-24 season at Bayern Munich, Matthijs de Ligt scored 2 goals in 22 Bundesliga appearances.
What is Matthijs de Ligt’s role in the Netherlands national team?
Matthijs de Ligt is a key player for the Netherlands national team, though he did not play during UEFA Euro 2024.
- Summary of Matthijs de Ligt
- Matthijs de Ligt’s Early Career and Rise to Prominence
- Matthijs de Ligt Transfer and Move to Manchester United
- Matthijs de Ligt’s Stats and Performance in 2024
- Matthijs de Ligt’s Height and Physical Attributes
- Matthijs de Ligt’s Relationship with AnneKee Molenaar
- Matthijs de Ligt’s Number at Manchester United
- Matthijs de Ligt FIFA 24 Rating
- FAQ